Black walls in dining room a bold move

Make sure there is adequate lighting to appreciate the stunning effect

Black paint adds drama to this dining room. A matte or eggshell finish for the paint prevents glare.

Photograph by: Handout photo
, Benjamin Moore

Dear Leanne: What do you think about black walls in a dining room? We have a formal dining space in a character home and wanted to try something bold.

We have modern furnishings throughout the house and really like the way the two extremes work. I have seen this idea in magazines but only small portions are shown so it's hard to get a feel for the complete picture.

A: As a premise, I love the idea. Yes this look has been photographed in magazines and it is stunning- but often a bit too bold for people to commit to. First off, remember it is just paint, so you can change it if it doesn't feel right.

But in the spirit of using time and money effectively, you should consider a few things to ensure the effect in the end is the one that you had envisioned in the beginning.

The idea of using the architectural detailing as the structural support of a contemporary background can be both elegant and interesting. Take an inventory of the space itself as well as how it affects adjacent rooms.

Start with natural light sources for the dining room. Typically, character homes offer limited light due to the number and size of windows.

Another light factor to consider is that these homes frequently are enveloped by mature trees that also contribute to a reduction of light that enters naturally. Incorporating black walls will look stunning as long as there is adequate light to appreciate the effect.

I recommend a matte or eggshell finish for the paint to avoid glare from any light source. A gloss finish will reflect light too harshly. You do need to ensure you use a high quality paint to avoid the look of a chalkboard, but a soft finish will add a textural dimension that will provide a great backdrop for other elements you will add to this room.

Lighting options can be either contemporary or traditional. One popular fixture that would add flare to this project is the shade-covered chandelier. This is modern twist on a traditional look and maybe a perfect transitional element.

Another way to add light to this room is by adding art lighting to wall decor. This is a practical way of adding light while creating ambience.

Contemporary furnishings will be stunning against this background, but only if they offer visual contrast. If you have glass and chrome, for instance, the contrast will be effective. However, if your modern furniture is dark in tone you will need to add other elements to ensure design balance and visual boundaries.

In this situation consider the effect of wainscotting. Black could be effective above the horizontal divide and plate mirror or wallpaper could be applied to the lower portion.

Finally consider the fact that this colour is intended to be a backdrop, so add furnishings and wall decor that will add interest.

Consider framing art in a thin red frame, for instance, just to add a little pizzazz. This subtle splash of colour is like adding red shoes to the little black dress.

Dear Leanne: We have an eating area with windows on two sides and a set of garden doors on the other. This room gets a lot of afternoon sun in the summer and we drop our blinds to keep the heat out. Most of the time, the blinds are pulled up so that we have an unobstructed view of the backyard.

I would like to put up a valance (in a fabric identical to the chair seat fabric) to hide the stack of blinds at the top of the two windows.

Would a custom-made valance with grommets look current? Or would a roman pleat look better?

A: Both options would look stunning but you need to consider the fabric in this decision. Grommets may be a better option for a fabric that has a larger pattern repeat, as the roman pleat may disrupt the pattern with pleating. On the other hand, the roman pleat may add a design dimension to a solid fabric.

The window treatment should also complement the existing decor. Grommets can be a bold effect depending on the size and style of rod. This look is frequently used with contemporary styles. Roman pleated valances are often used in more traditional settings and offer a sense of elegance.

I do have a third option for you to consider. This one uses two decorative rods and finials for each valance treatment. The idea is that you create the valance as a simple flat pocket. If you are planning to have these created by a professional, they will determine the appropriate length, taking into consideration the blind stack, clearance for the garden doors and corner configurations.

The valance would then hang from the first decorative rod, in a typical fashion. However, the second rod would then be inserted into the bottom of the pocket valance and hang freely, weighing the valance down in a flat manner.

This style is dramatic as the rods and finials become stunning jewelry for your window. Iron rods and twisted iron or fabulous crystalline finials make this a spectacular addition that is equally at home with traditional or contemporary decor.

As you can see, you do have options. Use your fabric and current room decor as your guide for this treatment decision.

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